Defrost chamber within freezer compartment

ABSTRACT

An improved defrost chamber is disposed with the freezer compartment of a refrigerator, removing the need to relocate a food item prior to thawing. The defrost chamber has at least one wall configured to heat the interior. A control unit is in electric communication with and adapted to supply a voltage to the wall(s). The control unit has a timer to initiate or terminate the defrosting operation. The wall(s) may comprise a glass panel associated with electrically conductive material. The control unit may independently control the heat supplied to each of the walls. The control unit may be remotely controllable by a user. One or more vents associated with the defrosting chamber may be open in a non-use configuration and closed in a use configuration. The defrost chamber may be removable from the freezer compartment.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to defrosting of frozen food items. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a glass defrost chamber within a freezer compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Refrigeration and freezing are extremely popular forms of food preservation. In the case of freezing, food is maintained at below-freezing temperatures at approximately 0° F. (−18° C.), which among other things, renders microbes (e.g., bacteria, yeast, molds, etc.) inactive. In particular, freezing food keeps it safe by slowing the movement of molecules, causing the microbes to enter a dormant stage. Freezing food also prevents spoilage and prolongs the shelf life by slowing down the breakdown of cell enzymes in the food.

Many frozen food items are often defrosted prior to cooking. In particular, most proteins such at beef, poultry, pork, fish, and the like, become quite hardened while frozen. Properly defrosting the protein prior to cooking is preferable to ensure the protein is cooked evenly to maximize tenderness and taste. Further, defrosting food prior to cooking helps ensure that the internal temperature reaches the necessary level to kill microbes.

There are many methods by which to defrost food. For example, an individual may remove the food item from the freezer compartment and place it in the refrigerator compartment. A refrigerator compartment is typically maintained at 35° F. (1.6° C.). The small temperature differential above freezing generally results in the process taking several hours to thoroughly defrost a food item, resulting in inconvenience for the individual. For larger food items, this approach may require approximately twenty-four hours of defrosting for every five pounds of food.

Another example includes placing the frozen food item on a countertop. In such an instance, the temperature differential above freezing is greater, which results in relatively faster defrosting. However, leaving a food item on a countertop over a period of several hours may be unsafe and result in food borne illness. Specifically, the outer layer of the food is exposed between the primary bacteria-breeding temperatures of 40° F. and 140° F. for a significant period of time.

Still another example includes submerging the item in water or running water over the food item. The approach is reasonably quicker than the approaches previously discussed herein. Using this approach, small packages can defrost in one hour or less; larger items require approximately thirty minutes of defrosting time per pound of food. However, submerging the item in water requires increased user attention. In particular, as the food item defrosts and thaws, the water bath conversely heats up, incrementally decreasing the relative temperature differential. As a result, it may be necessary for an individual to change the water bath two or three times during the process. Further, running hot water over the food item may cause the outer layer of the food to heat up to a temperature where harmful bacteria begins to multiply.

Still yet another example, and perhaps the most commonly used method, includes placing the food item into a microwave. The microwave has a “defrost setting,” at which it typically operates at fifty percent power. This approach is by far the quickest, but has several disadvantages. First, as the food item defrosts, a pool of water (and/or juice from the food item) may coalesce under the food item. The pool is heated significantly faster than the food item, which may result in the outer layer of the food item being prematurely cooked. Second, the approach also requires increased user attention. Many individuals may wish to initiate the defrosting process prior to returning home, for example, from work. Third, the approach requires the thawed food to be cooked immediately thereafter.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for an improved means for defrosting food that is fast, effective, and does not overly require user involvement.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,369 to Zentner et al., herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, is directed to a quick chill and thaw compartment disposed in the fresh food compartment. As a result, when an individual wishes to defrost a food item stored in the freezer compartment, the individual must remove it from the freezer compartment and place it within a pan in the fresh food compartment. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a defrosting and thawing device disposed in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is therefore a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide a defrost freezer chamber within the freezer compartment. The chamber may be at below-freezing temperatures while not in operation, similar to the freezer compartment, allowing a user to store frozen food item(s). Without needing to relocate the food item, a user selectively activates the defrost chamber, which supplies heat to the same to defrost the food item(s).

It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide for a user to remotely activate the defrost chamber. The defrost chamber may be activated through a control panel on the cabinet of a refrigerator, or through means such as wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi), the Internet, and/or e-mail. In such cases, defrosting may be initiated through a smartphone or the like, permitting an individual to conveniently initiate the defrosting process while away from home.

It is still yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to provide for a defrosting process that does not overly require user involvement. The defrost chamber may have a timer to initiate the defrosting process and/or a timer to terminate the defrosting process after a predetermined elapsed time. Further, the defrost chamber have preprogrammed settings based on the type and/or size of food to be defrosted.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present disclosure to maximize ease of use. The defrost chamber may be selectively removable from the freezer compartment for storing food, retrieving food, and cleaning. In a French door “bottom mount” refrigerator cabinet, the top surface(s) of the defrost chamber may be transparent or translucent to permit a user to see the contents contained therein when the bottom mount freezer compartment is opened. In a “top mount” refrigerator cabinet, the front door of the defrost cabinet may be transparent or translucent to permit a user to see the contents contained therein.

These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a refrigerator includes a cabinet having a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment. A defrost chamber is disposed within the freezer compartment. The defrost chamber has an interior and wall configured to heat the interior of the defrost chamber. A control unit is in electric communication with the wall. The control unit has a timer to initiate or terminate the defrosting operation.

A wall may comprise a glass panel coated with electrically conductive material on a surface of the glass panel external to the interior of the defrost chamber. A low emissivity glass panel may be disposed external to the defrost chamber, parallel to the wall, and within the freezer compartment, resulting in an air gap between the wall and the low emissivity glass panel. Further, the defrost chamber may be insulated from the freezer compartment.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a defrost chamber is provided within the freezer compartment of a refrigerator cabinet. The defrost chamber includes opposite side surfaces, a back surface opposite a front surface, a top surface, and an electrically conductive bottom surface. A control unit is in electric communication with the electrically conductive bottom surface. The control unit is adapted to supply a voltage to the electrically conductive bottom surface.

The top surface may also be electrically conductive and in electric communication with the control unit. In such cases, the electrically conductive bottom surface and the electrically conductive top surface may be independently controllable. One or more vents may be disposed on one or both of the opposite side walls. The vents are open in a non-use configuration and closed in a use configuration. The vents may be comprised of material that changes shape under the influence of heat. The control unit may include a time setting associated with the control unit to initiate operation of the defrost chamber in a non-use configuration, and a timer associated with the control unit to cease operation of the defrost chamber in a use configuration. The control unit may be remotely controllable by a user, such as through wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi), the Internet, and/or e-mail.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a defrost chamber is provided within the freezer compartment of a refrigerator cabinet. The defrost chamber has an interior defined within opposite side walls, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a back wall opposite a front glass panel. At least one of the opposite side walls has one or more vents. The top panel and bottom panels have an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each of the exterior surfaces is associated with electrically conductive material. The defrost chamber may be removable from the freezer compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and where:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a refrigerator in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of a refrigerator in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of a defrost chamber in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the defrost chamber of FIG. 2 taken along section line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the defrost chamber of FIG. 2 taken along section line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is cross section view of the defrost chamber of FIG. 2 taken along section line 3-3, a portion of the bottom wall of FIG. 1, and a control unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a side wall of a defrost chamber in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a side wall of a defrost chamber in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of operation of a control unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 8B is a block diagram of operation of a control unit in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate refrigerators 10 in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the refrigerators 10 is comprised of a refrigerator cabinet 12. FIG. 1A illustrates a refrigerator 10 with the fresh food compartment 14 is disposed above the freezer compartment 16, commonly referred to as a “bottom mount” refrigerator. A user may access the fresh food compartment 14 through one or more doors 18. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, two French doors are shown. In the bottom mount configuration, a user may access the freezer compartment 16 by slidably opening a drawer 19. FIG. 1B illustrates a refrigerator 10 with the freezer compartment 16 is disposed above the fresh food compartment 16, commonly referred to as a “top mount” refrigerator. In both the bottom mount and top mount configurations, the fresh food section 14 may be comprised of any number of shelves 20 and drawers 22 commonly known in the art. Furthermore, in both the bottom mount and top mount configurations, a defrost chamber 24 is disposed within the freezer compartment 16.

An exemplary defrost chamber 24 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The defrost chamber 24 may be comprised of a top wall 26, a bottom wall 28, opposing side walls 30, and a rear wall 32 opposite a front wall 34. The walls collectively define an interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24. The bottom wall 28, opposing side walls 30, and rear wall 32 may be rigidly connected. The front wall 34 may also be rigidly secured, in which case the top wall 26 will be operably connected so as to provide access to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24. In another exemplary embodiment, the top wall 26 may be rigidly secured, in which case the front wall 34 will be operably connected so as to provide access to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the top wall 26 and the front wall 34 will be operably connected to the remainder of the walls to provide multiple means of access to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24. As shown illustratively in FIG. 2, the front wall 34 may be pivotally connected to the opposing side walls 30 via hinges (not shown). A handle 40 is provided on the front wall 34 to pivot the front wall 34 downwardly about the hinges. The present disclosure also contemplates the hinges and front wall 34 may be configured to pivot sideward or upwardly. In configurations where the top wall 26 is operably connected, hinges 38 may be disposed proximate to the rear wall 32. The present disclosure contemplates several other means for operably connecting one or more walls, including but not limited to, snap fit, friction fit, track with rollers, and the like.

The defrost chamber 24 may be rigidly or movably connected to the freezer compartment 16. For example, referring to the bottom mount refrigerator of FIG. 1A, the defrost chamber 24 may be connected to an underside of a mullion commonly dividing the freezer compartment 16 and the fresh food compartment 14. If rigidly secured, a user may access the defrost chamber 24 by opening the front wall 34 as previously expressed herein. In another exemplary embodiment, the defrost chamber 24 may have wheels 42, as shown illustratively in FIG. 2, configured to slidably engage tracks disposed in the freezer compartment 16. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the defrost chamber 24 may have tracks (not shown) configured to slidably engage counterpoising tracks disposed in the freezer compartment 16. In still yet another exemplary embodiment, the defrost chamber may be connected to the drawer 19 such that the defrost chamber 24 is exposed when the drawer 19 is opened. Referring now to the top mount refrigerator of FIG. 1B, the defrost chamber 24 may be rigidly or movably connected to any corner of the freezer compartment 16. In embodiments where the defrost chamber 24 is movably connected to the freezer compartment 16, the defrost chamber 24 may be configured to be removable from the same. The present disclosure contemplates the defrost chamber 24 may be located anywhere in the freezer compartment 16, and further may be connected to the freezer compartment 16 by any means commonly known in the art.

The defrost chamber 24 is designed to be insulated from the freezer compartment 16. In particular and as will be discussed in detail below, the defrost chamber 24 produces heat during operation. To prevent the heat from within the defrost chamber 24 from undesirably entering the below-freezing freezer compartment 16, the opposing side walls 30 may be comprised of insulation 44 disposed between a first liner 46 and a second liner 48, as shown illustratively in FIG. 4. The insulation 44 may be comprised of any suitable material commonly known in the art such as polyurethane foam. The first liner 46 and/or second liner 48 may be comprised of any suitable material commonly known in the art for refrigerator and freezer liners, including but not limited to acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), modified graft copolymers of acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear wall 32 and the front wall 34 may be also comprised of the layers of insulation 44 disposed between a first liner 46 and a second liner 48. In another exemplary embodiment, the rear wall 32 and the front wall 34 may be a singular or layered panel of glass, plastic and/or metal. A panel of glass may be particularly suitable for the front wall 34, thereby permitting an individual to see within the defrost chamber 24.

Furthermore, the defrost chamber 24 may include one or more vents 50. The vent(s) 50 may be disposed on the opposing side walls 30, as shown illustratively in FIGS. 2 and 7, and/or on any combination of the walls without deviating from the objects of the present disclosure. When the defrost chamber 24 is not in use, the vent(s) 50 are open to permit the cold air from the freezer compartment 16 to enter the defrost chamber 24. In the non-use configuration, the temperature within the defrost chamber 24 will be substantially the same as the freezer compartment 16. Further, to promote the flow of cold air into the defrost chamber 24 in the non-use configuration, one or more fans 52 may be associated with the one or more vents 50. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the fan 52 is disposed over the vent 50 in one of opposing sidewalls 30.

In a use configuration, the vent(s) 50 of the defrost chamber 24 are closed. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure mechanism is comprised of a solenoid valve 54, as shown illustratively in FIG. 7. Upon receiving an electric current, a solenoid within a coil engages and closes the valve 54. The solenoid valve 54 assists in minimizing heat loss within the defrost chamber 24, thereby promoting maximum defrosting rate of the food item(s). In another exemplary embodiment, the closure mechanism includes a wire that deforms under the influence of heat, thereby also allowing the vent(s) 50 to be opened or closed with an electrical input. Examples of such wire include but are not limited to nichrome wire, Nitinol memory wire, Flexinol® actuator wire, and other shape-memory alloys. Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates that the one or more fans 52 and the one or more closure mechanisms may be used in tandem.

As previously mentioned herein, the defrost chamber 24 produces heat to defrost food item(s). The heat is produced by one or more electrically conductive surfaces. More particularly, the top wall 26 and/or the bottom wall 28 are comprised of layered surfaces, at least one of which is electrically conductive and adapted to receive a voltage.

FIG. 3 illustrates the cross section of an electrically conductive top wall 26 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. An inner layer 54 of electrically conductive coated glass may be disposed proximate to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24. The electrically conductive coating 56 is disposed on a surface 58 of the glass 60 opposite to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24. The configuration prevents food item(s) from contacting the electrically conductive coating 56. Examples of electrically conductive glass includes Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and indium tin oxide, but the present disclosure also envisions the use of transparent conducting films (TCFs) using similar technology. The top wall 26 may further comprise an outer layer 62 separated from the inner layer 54 by an air gap 64. The air gap 64 enables the electrically conductive coating 56 to function as a low emissivity surface to direct the heat to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24 more efficiently. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 62 may be comprised of low emissivity glass, particularly for freezer compartment 16 configurations requiring a transparent or translucent top wall 26. In another exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 62 of the top wall 26 may be comprised of plastic or metal. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 62 of the top wall 26 may be the liner of the freezer compartment 16. The bottom wall 28 may be a mirrored configuration of the top wall 26. In a preferred embodiment, the top wall 26 and the bottom wall 28 are electrically conductive to promote even defrosting of the food item(s). The present disclosure, however, contemplates any number of the walls of the defrost chamber 24 may be electrically conductive to product heat. For example, the opposing side walls 30 and/or the rear wall 32 may be comprised of the components of the top wall 26 and/or the bottom wall 28 previously expressed herein.

Referring to FIG. 5, the electrically conductive coating 56 of the top wall 26 and the electrically conductive coating 56 of the bottom wall 26 are connected to a control unit 66. The control unit 66 is configured to supply a first voltage 68 to the electrically conductive coating 56 of the top wall 26 and a second voltage 70 to the electrically conductive coating 56 of the bottom wall 28. The electrically conductive coatings 56 act as a fixed resistor to generate heat from the applied first voltage 68 and second voltage 70. The heat is conducted through the glass 60 and to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24 to defrost the food item(s). The first voltage 68 and the second voltage 70 supplied by the control unit 66 may be the same or may be varied. In an exemplary embodiment, the first voltage 68 supplied to the top wall 26 may be greater than the second voltage 70 supplied to the bottom wall 28, as the food item(s) will be resting on the bottom wall 28. Thus, the food item(s) are at a greater distance from the top wall 26 than the bottom wall 28 and the increased heat produced by the top wall 26 may promote evenness of the defrosting process. Further, in embodiments where the top wall 26 is transparent or translucent heating the top wall 26 and the bottom wall 28 may prevent condensation from forming on the top wall 26.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates a block diagram of operation of a control unit in accordance with exemplary embodiments. As previously expressed herein, the control unit 66 supplies a first voltage 68 to the top wall 26 and a second voltage 70 to the bottom wall 28. The magnitude of the voltage supplied may be specifically selected by an individual or associated with preprogrammed settings. For example, the control unit 66 may contain preprogrammed heating rates and/or voltages associated with beef, pork, poultry, fish, vegetables, and the like. Further, the preprogrammed settings may account for a user-defined weight of the food item(s) to be defrosted. Still further, the preprogrammed settings may be configured to proportion the voltage supplied to the top wall 26 and the bottom wall 28 to provide for evenness in the defrosting process.

The control unit 66 may be associated with a time setting 72 and/or a timer 74. The time setting 72 may be configured to initiate the defrosting process. An individual may input a future start time into the time setting 72. For example, an individual may depart for work in the morning, but opt for the defrosting process to begin at 3:00 p.m. based on an anticipated return time. The timer 74 may be configured to terminate the defrosting process after a predetermined elapsed period of time. An individual may input a desired defrosting time into the timer 74. The timer 74 may be in addition to or in lieu of the individual selecting a start time.

The individual may start and stop the defrost chamber 24; enter the power level, start time, and/or elapsed time; and/or select from preprogrammed settings through a control panel (not shown) disposed on the cabinet 12 of the refrigerator 10. In addition, the control unit 66 may be configured receive one or more user inputs remotely. In particular, the control unit 66 may have means for receiving a wireless signal 76 through, for example, Wi-Fi, the Internet, e-mail, and the like. This may permit the defrost chamber 24 to be activated through, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer with access to the Internet. This is particularly advantageous since the objects of the present disclosure do not require the individual to relocate the food item(s) from the defrost chamber 24 to initiate the defrosting process. In an exemplary embodiment where a smartphone and/or tablet may be used, a customized application (a.k.a., an App) may be implemented.

Once the defrosting process is initiated, the control unit 66 supplies one or more voltages (68 and 70) to the one or more walls, as previously expressed herein. The control unit 66 may also be in electric connection with one or more valves 54 associated with the one or more vents 50. The control unit 66 may supply a signal (e.g., a voltage) to the valve(s) 54 to close the vent(s) 50. In the use configuration, closing the valves 54 prevents heat from escaping into the surrounding freezer compartment 16, which would not only reduce the efficiency of the defrost chamber 24, but also compromise the food being stored in the freezer compartment 16.

After the defrosting process is complete or the defrosting chamber 24 is in a non-use configuration, the control unit 66 may remove the voltage being supplied to the valve(s) 54, thereby opening the vent(s) 50. Further, the control unit 66 may also be in electric connection with one or more fans 52 associated with the one or more vents 50. The control unit 66 may supply a signal (e.g., a voltage) to the fan(s) 52 to circulate cold air into the defrost chamber 24. After a period of time, the temperature within the defrost chamber 24 and the freezer compartment 16 will substantially equalize. Thereafter, defrost chamber 24 is ready to food item(s) at below-freezing temperatures.

The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerous variations in the type of ways in which embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to means for defrosting food within a freezer compartment. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects that are considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least all that is intended.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodiments for implementing the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of the disclosure with greater particularity. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator cabinet having a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment; a defrost chamber within the freezer compartment, the defrost chamber comprising: (a) opposite side surfaces; (b) a back surface opposite a front surface; (c) a top surface; (d) an electrically conductive bottom surface; and a control unit in electric communication with the electrically conductive bottom surface and adapted to supply a voltage to the electrically conductive bottom surface.
 2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the top surface further comprises: an electrically conductive top surface; wherein the control unit is in electric communication with the electrically conductive top surface and adapted to apply a voltage to the electrically conductive top surface.
 3. The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein the electrically conductive bottom surface and the electrically conductive top surface are independently controllable.
 4. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: one or more vents associated with one or both of the opposite side walls; wherein the one or more vents are open in a non-use configuration, wherein the one or more vents are closed in a use configuration.
 5. The refrigerator of claim 4 wherein the control unit is configured to open the one or more vents in the use configuration.
 6. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: one or more settings associated with the control unit, wherein the one or more settings are remotely controllable by a user.
 7. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the defrost chamber is selectively removable from the freezer compartment.
 8. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein control unit further comprises: a time setting associated with the control unit to initiate operation of the defrost chamber in a non-use configuration; and a timer associated with the control unit to cease operation of the defrost chamber in a use configuration.
 10. The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein the wherein the electrically conductive top surface is configured to be selectively opened.
 11. A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator cabinet having a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment; a defrost chamber within the freezer compartment, the defrost chamber having an interior and a wall configured to heat the interior of the defrost chamber; and a control unit in electric communication with the wall, the control unit having a timer to initiate or terminate a defrosting operation.
 12. The refrigerator of claim 11 wherein the wall further comprises: a glass panel associated with electrically conductive material on a surface of the glass panel external to the interior of the defrost chamber.
 13. The refrigerator to claim 11, further comprising: a low emissivity glass panel disposed external to the defrost chamber, parallel to the wall, and within the freezer compartment; and an air gap between the wall and the low emissivity glass panel.
 14. The refrigerator of claim 11 wherein the defrost chamber is insulated from the freezer compartment.
 15. The refrigerator of claim 11 further comprising: one or more vents associated with the defrost chamber, wherein the one or more vents are open in a non-use configuration, wherein the one or more vents are closed in a use configuration.
 16. A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator cabinet having a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment; a defrost chamber within the freezer compartment, the defrost chamber having an interior defined within: (a) opposite side walls, at least one of the opposite side walls having one or more vents; (b) a top panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface is associated with electrically conductive material; (c) a bottom panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface is associated with electrically conductive material; (d) a back wall opposite a front panel.
 17. The refrigerator of claim 16, further comprising: a control unit having a timer control and adapted to: (a) supply a voltage to the electrically conductive material associated with the top panel and the electrically conductive material associated with the bottom panel; and (b) open and close the one or more vents.
 18. The refrigerator of claim 16 wherein the electrically conductive material associated with the top panel and the electrically conductive material associated with the bottom panel are independently controllable.
 19. The refrigerator of claim 17 wherein the control unit is remotely controllable through one of the following: (a) wireless connection; (b) Internet connection; and (c) electronic mail.
 20. The refrigerator of claim 16 wherein the defrost chamber is selectively removable from the freezer compartment. 